Terrorism prevention approaches and strategies

¶ … Terrorism

The objective of this study is to choose from three definitions of terrorism and relate which one best represents the beliefs, values, experiences, and education of this writer. Section 802 of the U.S.A. Patriot Act (Pub. L. No. 107-52) is reported to have expanded the definition of terrorism to cover 'domestic' terrorism. Domestic terrorism is committed by an individual if they "do an act 'dangerous' to human life that is in violation of criminal laws of a state or the United States, if the act appears to be intended to: (1) intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (2) influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or (3) affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination or kidnapping." (ACLU, 2013, p.1) Sinclair Lewis once stated that "when fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in a flag, and carrying a cross." There are serious considerations for the definition given by the U.S. Patriot Act because under this definition everyday criminals could be labeled as terrorists. In the view of this writer, a terrorist is someone who means to do irreparable harm to the United States or its citizens through act that takes the lives of Americans. The U.S. Justice Department defines domestic terrorism as "groups or individuals who seek to further their political goals wholly or in part through activities that involve force or the threat of force, and there is no foreign direction or foreign involvement." (O'Connor, 2012, p.1) the views of this writer and of most people in the United States is such that holds terrorism to be acts committed by those foreign to the United States which are committed for the purpose of hurting the American way of life.